The Amazing Transformation of a Traditional Black Wedding Gown Steeped in the Dead Sea Since 2014

Israeli artist Sigalit Landau has created “Salt Bride“, a remarkable underwater photo series that shows the amazing transformation of a traditional early-20th century, traditional Chasidic black dress as it steeped in the hypersaline waters of the Dead Sea since 2014. The gown eventually succumbed to its salty alchemy and emerged with a crystalline white shell. The dress was based on a costume worn by the lead character in “The Dybbuk” who was possessed and cleansed by a malicious spirit. “Salt Bride” is currently being shown at the Malborough Contemporary Gallery in London, from 29 July 2016 – 3 September 2016.

Photographed underwater, working in collaboration with Yotam From, the images document the transformation of a dress submerged in the salt-rich waters of the Dead Sea. The traditional Hasidic garment shown in the photographs is a replica of the costume worn by the female character Leah in the canonical Yiddish play, The Dybbuk..Landau’s practice is deeply connected with the Dead Sea. The artist shot some of her most iconic videos in its water, and has been experimenting with the salt crystallization of objects for years. The Dead Sea – the lifeless, lowest place on earth, in which the dress was immersed in one state, and from which it was pulled out in a very different form – sets an anticipated yet uncontrolled organic process in motion..

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